Word Origin & History

lotto-like game of chance, 1936; many theories about its origin, none satisfying; the most likely is bingo! as an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise (attested from 1923). Uncertain connection to the slang word for "brandy" (1690s); attested as "liquor" in American English, 1861. Thomas Chandler Haliburton ("Sam Slick") in "The Americans at Home" (1854) recounts a story of a drinking game in which the children's song about the farmer's dog was sung and when it came time to spell out the name, every participant had to take a letter in turn, and anyone who missed or flubbed had to drink.

Example Sentences for bingo

Bingo, true to his promise, was ever at his side ready to serve him.

"Well, we're glad to see you back, Asbury," said Bingo patronisingly.

When Asbury was gone, Mr. Bingo lay back in his chair and laughed.

My idea was to learn the bingo in advance, so as to be ready for it.

"You told me not to maunder just now," says Bingo, with ponderous sarcasm.

I said hurriedly, "Yes, yes; that's the dog I want; that—that's Bingo!"